TOP 5 MOVIE CURSES!!
“Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast; for it is the number of a man; and his number is 666.” Book of Revelation Chapter 13 Verse 18
There is always something within us all that thrives for a bit of excitement in our own unique ways. A guilty pleasure of mine is Horror movies, but somehow with a few movies now, I feel that it isn’t the movie that frightens or questions me, more so what happened before, during and after filming that has fascinated me even more so..
There have been many movies now that lead us to believe that the films were plagued with unusual occurrences, coincidental deaths of the cast members or relatives of those involved, freak accidents that mimicked scenes within the films made, and or strange animal behaviours especially around a specific film that I will go on to write about more in depth.
MOVIE CURSES! Yes you have read that right.. There are a number of movies now that have had a stigma attached to them, but is it real? Is it a marketing ploy? Or is it a huge coincidence in some cases? Or is it actually happening? Is there some force at work here trying to stop productions? Who knows? None the less a fascinating subject and here are a few examples of films that hold an apparent CURSE within them
POLTERGEIST…
Those who have seen the original 1982 film, will recognise the famous scene where ‘Diane’ played by Jobeth Williams, who was playing the mother, fell into the families pool that was filled with skeletons, these were later found to be real human skeletons that were used, as this was a much cheaper option than making and using rubber or plastic ones.
Was this a cause of some of the cast and crews demise?
5 months after the film was released, 22 year old Dominique Dunne, Who played Dana, the family’s older daughter was brutally attacked and strangled in her own driveway by her abusive ex boyfriend. Her life support was switched off 5 days later.
Will Sampson, the native American actor who starred in Poltergeist II – The other side, performed an exorcism on the set whilst filming the sequel in 1984, the cast were apparently relieved by this, however, in 1987 Will Sampson passed away of malnutrition and kidney failure aged 53.
Julian Beck, who played the main antagonist Kane in the second Poltergeist film, also passed away on September 14th 1985, aged 60 from stomach cancer, before the production of the film had even finished.
Lou Perryman, who played a minor role in the first original poltergeist, died in 2009, aged 67 after being attacked with an axe in his own home.
Heather O’Rourke, who played the lead part as Carol Anne, the little girl who was plagued by poltergeists in all three films, sadly passed away on 1st February 1988 at the mere age of 12, due to complications from an acute bowel obstruction.
It was also noted that after filming, on return home, Jobeth Williams had to straighten up her pictures she had hanging at home on a regular basis..She reported that they were continually ‘tilted’ after filming.
Also During the filming where ROBBIE is choked by the creepy clown in the original poltergeist movie, the clown robot actually did malfunction, and actually did choke child actor Oliver Robbins whilst filming! However he did live to tell the tale..
This seems to me a series of unfortunate events that are a coincidence, to the cast members, and to those who lost their lives prematurely. Julian Beck was indeed battling cancer for 18months prior to the filming of the second poltergeist.
THE EXORCIST…
In 1971 William Blatty wrote a novel called THE EXORCIST which was based on the real life exorcism of a boy known through a pseudonym as ROLAND DOE. Catholic Priests at the Georgetown university performed the real life Exorcism, but had to stop when Roland managed to free himself from his restraints, pull a bed spring out of his mattress, and slash one of the Priests arms. When William Blatty wrote the Novel based on these events, Roland’s family requested his identity to be changed to a girl for his protection.
In 1973 William Friedkin set out to bring the novel to the big screen which was to tell the story of a young girl possessed by a Demon that was to instil ultimate fear into its audiences.
Taking on the subject of Demonic Possession and an incredibly controversial Catholic ritual at this time, was turning many heads within the industry, and after a string of many strange and catastrophic occurrences started to amalgamate, many became convinced that the Movie and the film set were indeed cursed by a Demon.
Whilst shooting for the film began, it was delayed however, because of a fire ripping through the set, which destroyed what was supposed to be the Macneil’s home. The Director Friedkin blamed this on a winged creature with talons. What had actually happened in hindsight was a pigeon had found its way into the set, and then found its way into one of the circuit boxes, which then, caused this fire. There is something slightly Creepy about this fire though, as the little Girl Regan’s room was totally unharmed by the Fire. Coincidence?
Whilst filming the scene where a demonically possessed Regan throws her mother to the ground, Ellen Burstyn whom played Regan’s mother was in fact actually injured by this. They went on to use this scene in the film and the blood curdling screams she lets out in the film, are actually genuine. Ellen Burstyn still implies that the spinal injury bothers her to this day.
As with any big film production it can take well over a year for completion, and there are always possibilities of negative things happening to certain people connected within this time period, that is simply life, however, The Exorcist has had many tragedies and deaths.
Both Actors Jack Macgowran who played the part of director ‘Burke Dennings’ died from complications from influenza in post production, on 31st January 1973 and actress Vasiliki Maliaros (Karras’ mother in the film) died just 9 days later of natural causes. What makes this interesting is both parts played in the film, also died in the film.
Other deaths that occurred whilst filming were Linda Blair’s (Regan) grandfather, and Max Von Sydow’s brother, who died on the first day of filming. Whilst filming there was also an accident with a motorcycle hitting the son of Jason Miller, who played father Damien in the film, almost, killing him.
Linda Blair who played the famously possessed girl Regan in the film, also suffered a back injury in one of the possession scenes, after a piece of rigging broke. After the film was released Linda received so many death threats that the studio also had to hire her personal bodyguards to escort her over the next 6 months.
In 1987, another tragedy was to hit when the actress Mercedes McCambridge, who played the demonic voice of PAZUZU, had the terrible news that her son had murdered his wife and children before then taking his own life.
The cast and crew were increasingly worried during the filming and it is rumoured that the set and crew were repeatedly blessed throughout.
On the film’s release, it was believed by many, that playing this through a projector to the masses was a pure invitation to the devil himself. Televangelist Billy Graham stated “THERE IS A POWER OF EVIL IN THE FILM, IN THE FABRIC OF THE FILM ITSELF”
When the film was released it was banned in every Middle Eastern country but Lebanon. During the Roman premier, it is rumoured that audiences fought their way through torrential rain, thunder and lightning, to get into the theatre. Many reported to hear demonic like cries coming from outside once the movie was rolling. One lady also claimed that she was that frightened she passed out in the theatre then fell and broke her jaw.
Again for myself, is it a pure string of coincidences? And something completely different from the norm that people simply can’t cope with? The Exorcist film for me, never really bothered me, like many others that had watched the film would tell me, and it seems that the movie curses are almost certain to happen within movies that have a religious, biblical or demonic story. Whatever the cause, it is still known to this day as one of the scariest Horror films ever made amongst all different age groups.
Before I continue to a film that really does question me, and fascinate me, I would like to also mention a couple more films that have an apparent curse attached to their making..
THE PASSION OF THE CHRIST
Mel Gibson’s 2004 film portraying the last 12 hours of JESUS CHRIST’S life was at the centre of huge controversy throughout the world. Many people leaving half way through the film at the theatre’s, simply because of its brutality.
Jim Caviezel, whom played Jesus in the movie fell victim to various incidents during the filming, he suffered hypothermia, as well as pneumonia, a dislocated shoulder whilst hauling the Cross, he was accidently whipped during the thrashing scenes, which became infected, he endured several skin reactions and infections through the makeup and skin effects he had to wear for such long periods of time also.
Caviezel and assistant director Jan Michelini were also struck by lightning during the scene of the’ Sermon on the Mound’. Neither was injured by the lightening, however it was the second time Michelini had been hit….
ROSEMARY’S BABY
The 1968 cult movie was released and also gained much hatred for its involvement with satanic witchcraft. Producer William Castle received several death threats, and believed he was the centre of a curse being made against him. It is reported he actually started to believe he was living the film, and feared witches were casting their spells upon him. He received a hate letter stating that he was a ‘Believer of witchcraft, worshipper of the Shrine of Satan and my prediction is you will slowly rot during a painful illness brought upon by yourself’ Producer William Castle started suffering from debilitating health issues shortly after this and was convinced the film and himself were cursed.
The most horrific real life incident that happened connected to this movie also, was the murder of Director Roman Polanski’s wife Sharon Tate who was pregnant at the time. Sharon was murdered along with her baby and three friends by members of the MANSON FAMILY.
Before I continue to what I believe is one of the most powerful films ever made, I would also like to mention that there were also curses linked to the films Psycho, The Amityville Horror, The Conjuring, The Exorcism of Emily Rose, The Innkeepers and also The Possession.
THE OMEN
The release of this movie on the date 6/6/76 couldn’t have been more appropriate, as this may possibly be one movie where the ‘true story’ was based upon the making of this film!
Gregory Peck was to play the leading role and adoptive father of Damien, the second coming. It soon became apparent that the shocking events before, during and after production would stay with the cast and crew forever, and taken to their graves.
Before filming Gregory Peck’s own son took a rifle and shot himself in the head and ended his short life unexpectedly, and without explanation, this was shortly after the actor had accepted his role. Gregory Peck continued to take the role on though his grief, barely making it across the Atlantic ocean from L.A. to London, as the plane was struck by lightning, causing an engine fire and a near fatal crash.
Lightening seemed to be a regular feature for some of the crew, as three days later, THE OMEN’S screenwriter David Seltzer was also on a flight to the UK, which also was struck by lightning. Shortly after, Mace Neufield the executive producer was also victim to the very same threat over the very same ocean. There was also a threat made to producer of the movie Harvey Bernhard, whilst visiting Rome, a lightning bolt barely missed him also.
This wasn’t the end of plane related occurrences centred around the movie either; the production team rented a plane, to shoot an Ariel view of London. The rental company had a last minute switch, resulting in the plane being hired to a group of Japanese business men instead. The plane crashed upon taking off, hitting a car and resulted in several deaths.
On the first day of shooting several of the crew members were involved in a head on collision also, but luckily no one was harmed seriously.
In a documentary I watched several of the cast and crew mentioned how erratic the Rottweiler’s were in the famous scene, where Gregory Peck is attacked by them, the stuntman ordered extra protection and padding, but still ended up with horrific injuries from these ‘highly trained’ hounds.
During the shooting in the famous scene in Longleat safari park, another crew member was to meet his demise. A London zoo keeper named Sidney Bamford was working for the production as a big cat wrangler, for a scene which was meant to appear in the movie. The scene was to show the tiger menacing Damien, however after filming finished that day, one of the tigers wasn’t secured properly and attacked Sidney Bamford, piercing his skull and killing him. The scene was never shown in the movie.
Mace Neufield was also staying at the Hilton Hotel in London during filming, which was bombed by the I.R.A., luckily for him he wasn’t there during this time, however because one I.R.A bombing wasn’t enough to escape from, the directors , producers and several of the films actors including Gregory Peck were scheduled to eat at a restaurant in London, which was also bombed shortly before they were due.
There continued to be so many incidences that haunted the cast and crew and producer Harvey Berhard simply stated “THE DEVIL WAS AT WORK HERE, AND HE DIDN’T WANT THE PICTURE MADE”
The absolute biggest coincidence perhaps for me in this film happened a year after the movies release.
John Richardson, the special effects consultant who was responsible for creating the movies epic death scene of the photographer, was working on his next production in Holland called ‘A BRIDGE TO FAR’ .
Richardson, along with his girlfriend/assistant Liz Moore, was involved in a head on collision on Friday the 13th. Unfortunately Liz Moore was decapitated in the accident very similarly portraying the death scene of the photographer in THE OMEN.
What really is scarily creepy, is at the crash site when Richardson gained consciousness was a milestone…
The mile stone read ‘OMMEN 66.6’ which stood for the town Ommen, Netherlands, 66.6km…….
So with all these scary incidents surrounding our modern day movie industry, are these mere coincidences?, a negative force at play? Is it the devil? Is it what people may think is God? Are the cast and crew merely cashing in, or are they playing their roles too much? Who knows…? I would also like to mention that 666 in HEBREW translates as WWW…. but this is another story..
So whilst you are in your beds tonight.. Reading this story.. Sleep tight…
By Clare Burrows
https://www.facebook.com/Onlyfoolsandparanormal/
http://www.spiritussanctus.co.uk
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Angel Signs
By Charlene Kemp
White Feathers
Properly the most well known signs that you have been visited by your angels, These magical moments is something we should all keep an eye out for and when we are given one it should be treasured and kept, as a Thank you for sending it our way.
Often left or appear when we need a reminder that angels are near.
I can remember when my father passed staring out the window in an upset state, wondering where he was and if I would see him again, at this point I looked at my feet and there was a white feather, I do not have duck feather quilts nor pillows and no birds had been in my house nor had I been outside. To me theres a difference they can come in all sizes but are fluffier on the outer feathers.
I currently keep mine in a chest as it is said if you disregard them and don’t notice them as signs, spirit will stop sending you them so I do like to keep mine as a little reminder and a Thank you to those who have sent them.
Pennies
It is believed that spirit/angels will leave coins for those they are watching over. If you have ever heard of the saying ‘pennies from heaven ‘ then this is where it originally came from. Believed to be left to console and reassure those who find them. Normally left when a person is feeling blue or poorly. Its said angels toss them out to turn a frown upside down to make a smile
Robins
A sign as it’s a visit from a passed family member, tend to visit the same gardens year after year. Offering reassurance to the living that their passed love ones are still near.
I remember when my grandad died, my dad (not that he was a spiritual person because he was not) said a robin kept appearing on the fence outside our kitchen window and many times when we would speak of my grandad there it would appear, we would say it’s my grandad giving us a sign he’s still around.
When my dad passed, a day later, along came the robin with a baby robin and sat on the fence looking through the kitchen window at us, we took it has a sign that now my grandad and dad was together. Even to this day two robins will appear in the garden and on the fence together, theres something special about it when it does happen and something some would laugh about but we take comfort in it.
Butterflies
Known for being sent to us by a passed love one, Its believed these beautiful insects are sent to remind us that they are watching nearby and to let us know they are ok.
I used to work as a carer in the community and i can remember looking after a women who had been diagnosis of cancer, only a young women who had children, she was given a month to live but lived a year on, within this time she became very spiritual, something before her diagnosis she had never been, she would often say that butterflies followed her and that when she passed she would give her family a sign through a butterfly.
After she passed on Christmas Day, the first christmas it would have been without her, I remember seeing a picture what her family had posted and that was a butterfly sitting on the kitchen curtain found while they were making dinner. Now it was December, not really the right time of year for butterflies so they took it has a sign that their mum was with them on Christmas Day watching over.
Dreams
Angels and love ones can often show up in a dream while we sleep, this tends to be when we are more relaxed and receptive. Dreams as such tend to be more vivid then regular dreams and remain in your mind much fresher.
I have had a number of dreams that I have felt have had some importance to me. One being when my grandad passed days later, i dreamt i went to see him in hospital, he had a machine over his face, which when i think of how he died and what he died of would make sense, he told me he was ok, to tell everyone he was ok and was happy, he told me to go and to not worry and that he was in recovery and was getting better. He had nurses all around him and his parting words was they are looking after me. Depending on what you believe, I believe this was his way of saying I’ve made it to the afterlife I’m ok I just need to recover here before passing. Which I do believe happens to us when we die we go into a recovery like process in order to recover the soul from leaving our bodies?
Another dream i feel was a visit was from my dad, when alive at times we did not get on the best, he had done things i couldn’t get my head around, he wasn’t much of a talker so things was never explained or apologises was never made even though in the end it didn’t really matter and to me all was forgiven anyway to a degree and i understood but had not actually ever told him. He came to me in my dream, we went out and he took me to places which I think he felt would explain things better and we ended up sitting on a bench together speaking about what we should have done when he was alive. He was still very much the same person even to the degree where we even disagreed about things but He seemed a lot more open in my dream as if he didn’t lock up it up anymore or bury things. It ended where I say it was forgiven anyway and I did understand why things happened. He then left. Maybe this was more of a visit for himself then me so he could pass knowing that things was ok and he could let go.
These aren’t the only two occurrences I have had theres been a few when passed relatives have shown up and gave me guidance and support and I’ve questioned them about life after death, which they have always seem reluctant to speak about.
Building signs and advertising slogans
This could be just a simple sign after calling out for one such as noticing a name of building. Also it is believed that angels can show signs through recurring slogans on billboards shop names, roads that seem to strike a cord in you
Music and television
Hearing a song or a lyric on the radio can often be a sign, offering words that may help, reassure or confirm. Sometimes it could be that you put the TV on and flick through the channels and a show or documentary may be on which relates to your situation, don’t ignore it, it could come across as coincidence but it could also be something more.
I have also found that when you are missing someone who has passed or feeling a little low, you may pop the radio on or get into your car and turn the radio on and your passed love ones favourite song may be playing as you do or comes on. This can also happen when entering shops or public places.
This has happened to me a few times but one that sticks with me is after my dad passed we put the radio on to which it was playing a classic by David Bowie, one of my dads favourite songs by him, someone my dad admired when he was alive.
Telephone Calls
If you are thinking about someone and feeling as though you could do with their support and in that exact moment they ring to see how you are, this can be also classed as a sign from your angels. They are looking after you and sending you the help and support you
Scents
Sometimes we are sent Scents to remind us of a presence this scent can be a particular fragrance or smell which you can associate with a person who may have wore a certain perfume or had a particular smoke to them e.g tobacco.
Often floral smells can be signs that an angel is following you or they have left a scent in their trail.
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10 Most Common Dreams…What they could mean.
By Charlene Kemp
Every night while we sleep, every one of us create 5 dream Episodes. These dreams can last between 15 to 40 minutes. So when you add it up we spend 2 hours dreaming every night, whether you remember them or not!.
So with 7 billion dreamers on the planet that means within 24 hours 35 Billion dreams are created.
Dreams can mirror fundamental behaviours in us and many believe dreams can reflect who we are, what we need and what we believe in.
Here is my 10 top dreams and their possible meanings.
10. Teeth Falling out
The moat common dream relating to your teeth falling is having them crumble into your hands, falling out one by one or rotting.
These type of dreams can be a reflection of your anxieties about yourself and how you feel others may be perceiving you.
These dreams can stem from embarrassment, fear of being rejected or feelings of unattractiveness.
Dreaming of losing your teeth could also relate to communication problems, indicating that you are finding it more difficult to talk highlighting a possible problem you may be having with someone or expressing yourself in some way. It indicates feeling powerless as teeth are used to bite, tear and chew.
It may mean that you need a confidence boost or you need more privacy in a situation.
9. Pregnant
Can be sign that the person is having problems, it can be viewed as a need to start a creative project or actually becoming a parent.
It symbolises a new idea that has come to the person in their day to day lives that they may want to explore.
8. Being Chased
Dreaming of being chased or running away from something can suggest that you are running away from something that may be causing you some stress, fear or anxiety in you’re waking life.
Running away suggests how you may cope and respond to pressure, stress or fear in your day to day life.
This dream can reoccur until the situation is resolved in you’re waking day life.
7. Flying
Being able to fly in a dream can be interpreted I many ways. It can suggest that someone or something, is stopping you from moving forward, if you are dreaming of having a tough time while flying. If you are unable to fly this could indicate that you are struggling to meet high goals set. Flying alone and struggling can mean you are lacking confidence.
Flying ok can mean that you need to let things into place and letting go of current issues.
6. Falling
Dreaming of falling in a dream can suggest you are insecure and have anxiety about a situation.
Failing something in your day to day life can reflect in your dreams and it’s a way of you letting your feelings out about not doing as well as you had hoped for.
To free fall in a dream can symbolise that you are not afraid of changes and you are ready.
To fall in water means that you have strong feelings for someone.
5. Being late
Dreaming that you are late can relate to worry and anxieties you may have about taking a different direction in your day to day life. You may not be 100% confident in the decision you are making.
It can also mean that you may be feeling as though you are running out of time to get things done.
It can be a kind reminder from your unconscious that it is never too late to do what you want in life.
4. Cheating
To dream of being Cheated on can indicate that your partner may be spending to much time on something that does not involve you.
Also indicates a lack of trust.
3. Finding an unused room
Finding a new room in your dream can mean new outlooks and abilities that you have found in yourself.
If the room is white it means you are ready to start a new beginning, bit like a blank canvas ready for you to paint on it.
2. Naked
Being naked in a dream can symbolise vulnerability and anxiety.
To dream of being naked is a response to feeling exposed, maybe exposing too much about yourself without realising at the time how much you would be embarrassed by it.
Feeling self conscious in a social situation, for example, introducing yourself to someone you want to impress. Also can indicate that you may feel you didn’t show your best in a situation.
To wear only underwear in a dream can symbolise that your persona has fallen apart and people are seeing through you.
Underwear can also symbolically mean the underlying attitudes and feelings of seldom you may show to others.
1. Dying
To dream of dying or someone dying can symbolise the wish to get rid of something in your life, a relationship, a job or even your past.
This shouldn’t necessarily be classed as a nightmare it should be look upon as a new endeavour or fresh start that should be encouraged.
I feel one more i need to add in is
Being Lost in a Dream
Wandering around through a city or area and finding that you are in unfamiliar surroundings, not knowing which way to turn or where you are are common anxiety dreams.
To be lost represents losing your direction in life, losing your bearings, losing your self sense of purpose.
This dream can indicate that you may need some help in finding your path.
It can also mean you have lost your true meaning in life and you may need to rebalance yourself to find your purpose again.
Paranormal Magazine UK 